40. Chapter 40 #2
Detective Rivera nods, making a few more notes in her book. "Thank you for your time," she says, closing her notebook. "We'll be in touch if we have any more questions. In the meantime, I'd suggest staying somewhere secure."
After she leaves, I sink back into my chair, suddenly exhausted. The realization that Levi killed Marcus—mutilated him—because he touched me... it's overwhelming. A wave of nausea rolls through me.
"Hey," Theo says softly, kneeling beside my chair. "You okay?"
I shake my head, not trusting my voice.
"I understand you want to be there for Maya," he says, his eyes gentle. "And I'm all for that. But can I suggest an alternative to staying at her place?"
I raise an eyebrow, waiting.
"My apartment," he offers. "You and Maya could stay there tonight. It's on one of the upper floors in a secure building with a doorman and security. It's big, and it has all the good stuff, including a massive bathroom you can use when you're getting ready for the event tomorrow."
I hesitate, torn between my desire to maintain independence and the practical reality that Theo's place would be much safer.
"I'll even go shopping for enough junk food and ice cream to make you both sick," he continues, a hopeful smile playing at his lips. "And we can pick Maya up on the way."
I'm about to refuse when he adds, "There's also a spare bedroom with a lock on the door if you're worried about privacy. Keycard access to the elevators. A concierge who screens all visitors."
I sigh, knowing he's not going to stop until I agree. "Fine," I sign, rolling my eyes. "We'll stay at your place. But you're not staying with us. Girls' night only."
Relief washes over his face. "Deal. I'll crash at Jace's place. We'll both be a phone call away if you need anything."
"You’re okay with this plan?" I sign to Jace, who's been watching our exchange with a thoughtful expression.
He nods, his fingers still tapping that familiar rhythm against his thigh. "It's the most logical solution. Theo's building is the only apartment with better security than here."
I reach for my phone to text Maya the change of plans. As I type, Jace moves closer, his expression serious. "We need to be careful. All of us. Especially tomorrow at the launch event."
I shake my head firmly. "I'm not hiding," I sign. "I'm going to that party. I've been looking forward to it since you asked."
"I'm not suggesting you don't go. The event is invite only and has its own security," Jace says quickly. "Just… be careful. Stick together as much as possible."
"Okay. Reasonable precautions." I nod, relieved he's not trying to lock me away. "I need to pack a bag," I sign, standing.
As I gather the clothes I need for tonight and tomorrow, I can't shake the image Maya described—Marcus's severed hands on the counter, blood everywhere, that message written on the wall.
The horror of it churns in my stomach, but there's something else too—a tiny, shameful part of me that feels. .. vindicated.
Marcus was vile. He threatened me, tried to force himself on me. And now he's dead. Part of me is glad.
That thought terrifies me more than anything else. Am I really so broken that I can feel satisfaction at someone's death, no matter how deserving? What does that say about me?
"You're thinking too hard," Theo observes, watching me from the doorway. "I can see it on your face."
I sigh, setting down the dress I've been holding for the last minute without really seeing it. "I feel responsible, " I sign.
"Don't," Theo says firmly. "Marcus's death is on him, not you. You didn't ask for this. You didn't want it."
But that's just it—a small, dark part of me did want Marcus punished. Not killed, not like that, but punished nonetheless. The line between justice and vengeance has never felt so thin, so permeable.
"We should hurry," I sign, changing the subject. "Maya needs us."
Theo nods, but his eyes tell me he knows exactly what I'm doing—deflecting, avoiding the darker thoughts swirling inside me. He lets me get away with it, though.
Jace insists on coming with us to Theo's apartment, his protective instincts in overdrive. I don't argue.
"You'll be safe at Theo's," Jace says as though trying to reassure himself more than me.
I nod, staring out the window at the passing buildings. The city looks different now, every shadow potentially hiding a predator, every face a possible threat. Is this how I'll live from now on? Always looking over my shoulder, always waiting for Levi to appear?
"They'll catch him," Jace says, as if reading my thoughts. "The police, the FBI—they're all looking for him now. He's made a mistake, killing so publicly. It's only a matter of time."
I want to believe him. I desperately want to believe that this nightmare will end, that Levi will be caught, that I can have a normal life with Jace and Theo. But the knot in my stomach tells a different story.
Something tells me this is just the beginning. And before it's over, more blood will be spilled—maybe even my own.